Book Review Summary: Ascension: John Coltrane And His Quest

Introduction

"Ascension: John Coltrane And His Quest" by Eric Nisenson is a captivating exploration of the life and musical journey of the legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. This book delves into Coltrane's quest for spirituality and his unwavering commitment to expressing his innermost thoughts and emotions through his music. With its engaging narrative and insightful analysis, "Ascension" offers readers a unique perspective on Coltrane's artistic development and his impact on the world of jazz.

About Eric Nisenson

Eric Nisenson, the author of "Ascension: John Coltrane And His Quest," is a renowned jazz writer and critic. With a passion for music and a deep understanding of the jazz genre, Nisenson brings his expertise to bear in this exploration of Coltrane's life and artistry. Through his writing, Nisenson sheds light on the spiritual dimensions of Coltrane's music and offers readers a thought-provoking perspective on the late saxophonist's quest for truth, beauty, and meaning.

Analysis of Views

1. A profound influence: Many readers have found "Ascension" to be a profound influence on their lives, citing the book's exploration of Coltrane's quest for mastery as a source of inspiration. The book's emphasis on living life as a means of achieving personal growth and self-discovery resonates with readers from various backgrounds and interests.

2. Engaging narrative: Nisenson's engaging narrative style captivates readers from the beginning, transporting them into the world of John Coltrane. The book's vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes bring Coltrane's music and life to life, creating a compelling reading experience.

3. In-depth analysis: While some readers appreciate the book's in-depth analysis of Coltrane's music, others find it distracting due to the author's strong influence from the 1960s culture. They argue that Nisenson sets people from that era apart from the rest of us, implying that they have some kind of special knowledge or insight that others cannot access.

4. Spiritual journey: Many readers praise Nisenson for focusing on Coltrane's spiritual journey and how it influenced his music. The book offers a deeper understanding of the saxophonist's artistic development, shedding light on his search for truth, beauty, and meaning through his music.

5. Innovative approach: Readers appreciate Nisenson's innovative approach to writing about music, which transcends traditional biographical formats. Instead, he presents a series of essays that delve into key moments in Coltrane's artistic development, offering personal insights and analysis along the way. This unique approach sets "Ascension" apart from other books on Coltrane and adds depth to the overall reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Inspiring perspective: "Ascension" offers readers an inspiring perspective on Coltrane's life and music, emphasizing the importance of pursuing mastery as a means of expressing one's innermost thoughts and emotions. The book encourages personal growth and self-discovery, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in their own lives.

2. In-depth exploration: With its in-depth exploration of Coltrane's artistic development and spiritual journey, "Ascension" provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the saxophonist's life and work. The book delves into the various stages of Coltrane's output, offering a balanced and fair assessment of his music, while also bursting some jazz myths peddled by critics along the way.

3. Engaging narrative: Nisenson's engaging narrative style captivates readers from the beginning, transporting them into the world of John Coltrane. The vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes bring Coltrane's music and life to life, creating a compelling reading experience that keeps readers hooked until the end.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Sixties bias: Some readers find Nisenson's strong influence from the 1960s culture distracting, as he constantly credits his favorite influences from that time for having been the source of the music. This bias sets people from that era apart from the rest of us, which may not resonate with readers who prefer a more objective perspective on Coltrane's life and music.

2. Limited focus on Sun Ra: A few readers express disappointment with Nisenson's treatment of Sun Ra, whom they believe deserves more attention and appreciation in the context of Coltrane's musical journey. They feel that Nisenson's brief and narrow-minded approach to Sun Ra seems unfair and fails to acknowledge his unique contributions to jazz music.

Conclusion

"Ascension: John Coltrane And His Quest" by Eric Nisenson is a must-read for anyone interested in John Coltrane, jazz music, or personal growth. With its engaging narrative, in-depth exploration of Coltrane's spiritual journey, and innovative approach to writing about music, this book offers readers a unique perspective on one of the most influential figures in jazz history. While some readers find Nisenson's Sixties bias distracting and wish for a more objective approach, others appreciate his insightful analysis and vivid descriptions that bring Coltrane's life and music to life. Overall, "Ascension" is a valuable addition to any jazz enthusiast's library, offering both inspiration and enlightenment through its exploration of Coltrane's quest for truth, beauty, and meaning.